This chapter contains some of Jesus’ commentary and parables about possessions / money. The theme is that we can only love God, or worldly possessions, but we can’t serve both, one has to take priority.
” ‘The master commended the dishonest manager for his shrewdness. For the sons of this world are more shrewd… than the sons of light. And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth, so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal dwellings. One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.’ ” (v8-10)
It may sound like Jesus uses the dishonest manager’s “shrewdness” and stewardship of property as a ‘good examples’ of behavior – this is partially true. Jesus approves of sound judgement, and good stewardship of earthly resources. He doesn’t, however, approve of dishonesty and being a slave to worldly possessions.
Jesus encourages His followers to use worldly possessions wisely, as tools for building God’s eternal kingdom, under God’s direction. The possessions / money will pass away, but if we’re good stewards of them in obedience to God, the work and impact of our good stewardship can have positive eternal repercussions (money certainly can’t buy eternal life, but it can help spread Jesus’ gospel and enlarge Christ’s kingdom).
Father God, our Benevolent Lord and Generous Provider, You entrust us with much. Perhaps we don’t have many earthly resources, but we submit what we have under Your authority. Please guide our usage of all You provide, including finances, skills, gifts, and energy, to help build Jesus’ kingdom on earth and in eternity. May all we have be Yours, since You placed it into our care to begin with. For Your glory and honor, and for the eternal benefit of our neighbors we serve You, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training